Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the overarching goal of providing adequate shelter for all. Founded by the General Assembly, UN-Habitat has been at the forefront of addressing urbanization challenges since its inception. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and inclusive governance. UN-Habitat's mission is to advance sustainable urbanization through partnerships with governments and stakeholders, ensuring that urban development is inclusive and environmentally sustainable. The agency plays a crucial role in implementing the New Urban Agenda, adopted during the Habitat III conference in 2016, which sets global standards for urban development and guides how cities are planned and managed. UN-Habitat is currently involved in various regional programs, including the EU Operational Support to the IGAD Platform, which aims to strengthen institutional capacities in response to forced displacement and promote sustainable development solutions in the IGAD region, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Sudan.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant position is critical for the effective coordination and implementation of UN-Habitat's programme activities in South Sudan. The role involves providing comprehensive administrative, operational, and programme support to ensure that project schedules, meetings, financial processes, and stakeholder engagements are managed efficiently. The Project Assistant will work closely with the International Project Coordinator and the National Project Manager to facilitate the timely achievement of programme outputs while ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat and donor requirements. This position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and requires a proactive approach to project planning, monitoring, and reporting. The Project Assistant will contribute to the overall mission of UN-Habitat by promoting sustainable urban development and durable solutions for communities affected by displacement. The role demands strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and effective communication with various stakeholders to enhance project outcomes and visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the implementation of the South Sudan component of the EU Operational Support to the IGAD Platform, ensuring alignment with regional objectives.
• Regularly reporting project progress and key activities to UN-Habitat Headquarters and project coordinators.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders, including EU Delegation, IGAD, UNHCR, IOM, and government counterparts.
• Developing and maintaining project workplans, activity trackers, and monitoring tools to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Organizing project records, databases, and filing systems to support efficient implementation and reporting.
• Assisting with travel, procurement, and payment processes in compliance with UN-Habitat policies.
• Supporting budget tracking and financial reporting, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Organizing meetings, workshops, and field missions, including logistics and participant coordination.
• Identifying funding opportunities and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. 1
• Drafting high-quality project proposals and programme documents to enhance fundraising opportunities. 1
• Preparing logistics for project activities and contributing to donor reports and progress updates. 1
• Monitoring project deliverables and following up on agreed actions to ensure timely execution. 1
• Compiling lessons learned and success stories for knowledge management and visibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with additional training or certification in Project Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Economics, or a related field being desirable. A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in programme management, project coordination, or partnership development is required. Experience in preparing proposals, donor reports, and communication materials is also desirable, along with a background in working with UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed secondary school education as a minimum. Candidates with additional qualifications in fields such as Project Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, or Economics will be preferred. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and the operational requirements of UN-Habitat's initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in areas such as programme management, project coordination, or partnership development. Candidates should have a proven track record in supporting the preparation of proposals, donor reports, and resource mobilization activities. Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions is highly desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational context and challenges faced in humanitarian and development programming.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UN-Habitat and with international stakeholders. Knowledge of local South Sudanese languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and is expected to last for a duration of six months. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve travel and engagement with various stakeholders. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.